Strauss thinks it's "feasible" that Pujols could agree to an extension that doesn't stretch over as many years (maybe a five- or six-year deal) but pays him the highest average annual salary in baseball history. This way Pujols gets his big payout, but it doesn't leave St. Louis on the hook for a huge salary in the seventh or eighth year of a longer contract.

The Cardinals are looking for some infield depth at shortstop and third base, plus another starter to provide rotation depth. They're looking for players with Major League experience to fill these roles, but on non-guaranteed contracts.

There is "little enthusiasm" for bringing back Brad Penny. Strauss isn't sure Penny would be content with serving as an emergency starter out of the bullpen.

If the Cards sign a backup infielder, it will have to be an infielder who is "adroit" at third base in case David Freese can't handle the everyday job. This seems to rule out a return to St. Louis for David Eckstein, but Strauss says Nick Punto "is a popular name within some quarters of the organization." We haven't heard much about Punto since the Winter Meetings, where the former Twins infielder engaged in "meaningful negotiations" with Cleveland.

Pujols should be the highest paid player in the league. All of the salaries have gotten out of hand but Pujols deserves it. He has been the best player in the league since he has come into the league on and off the field. He is one player that every team would love to have

If Crawford got $140m+ I have a hard time believing that Pujols would do a 5/$150m type deal.

Fair for both parties – 7/$210 with vesting options for years 8-10 for PA’s and performance. Pujols could still earn his $300m if he stays healthy and productive. The Cards get a little peace of mind and a lower insurance premium should be break down.

8/240 minimum and if the Cards wont pay it then Pujols is in all likelihood gone baby gone! Only a daydreamer would believe he’ll take 5 or 6 years unless the Cards pony up 40 mil per which ain’t gonna happen!

You don’t know Pujols or the Cardinals very well. Only the Yankees or Red Sox, both of whom can’t get involved, could afford to guarentee a player $30M when he’s 39 years old, and Pujols isn’t the kind of guy who would demand 8 guarenteed years. 5 years doesn’t seem like quite enough, but 6 or 7 guarenteed years (along with an option year or two) appears most likely.

U don’t know baseball players too well do you! Cliff Lee takes less so wveryones hopes are raised cuz one guy did the impossible! Money talks and loyalty walks in sports! What part of Holliday getting 7 years and teams like the Nats willing to spend don’t u get? Oh yeah, if AGonz doesn’t extend in Boston , will be baseballs first 300 million player!

You’re overgeneralizing, especially since Pujols isn’t actually a free agent yet. Plenty of players sign extentions a year or so before free agency for less than they can get on the open market (and I repeat that nobody is going to offer 8 or more guarenteed years at his age, anyway). Pujols is that kind of player. For one thing, unlike Holliday and Lee, he isn’t represented by Scott Boras.

Why not? Franklin has one of the best save conversion percentages (90.3%) in the Majors over the last two years (since he became the full-time closer) along with a very good 2.71 ERA and excellent .642 HR/9 and 2.429 BB/9 rates over the same two years. He’s proven that you don’t need a high strikeout rate to succeed as a closer.

Motte and/or Boggs should be ready for the job in 2012 when Franklin’s contract is up.

That could totally happen, especially since he has already got a World Series ring so that career goal is accomplished. He probably won’t limit himself just to contending teams, so the Cubs have a great chance to get him.

Sorry guys: it was a bad joke about the perpetual suck of the Cubs. I was saying any player to sign for huge money with the Cubs would need to be willing to give up hopes for playing on a World Series champion team.